It Emphasizes Great Commission Stewardship For years, Dave Ramsey has been the staple for Christians wanting to know more about how to manage their finances. Many readers will be familiar with his "7 Baby Steps" program, Financial Peace University, and his best-selling book, The Total Money Makeover. This post does not intend to take away … Continue reading One of the Biggest Reasons You Need to Purchase the 8 Money Milestones Program
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2 Types of Hypocrisy that Hinder the Gospel’s Advancement
Paul's Example of Gospel Change After the Apostle Paul met Jesus, his entire life changed. His life changed so drastically that people were talking about it for miles. This is what they were saying, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy" (Gal 1:23). The gospel--i.e., the … Continue reading 2 Types of Hypocrisy that Hinder the Gospel’s Advancement
3 Characteristics of False Teachers
The New Testament warns believers that false teachers and false gospels will be an ever-present reality until Christ returns (click here to learn more). John Stott once wrote, "The church's greatest troublemakers (now as then) are not those outside who oppose, ridicule and persecute it, but those inside who try to change the gospel" (Stott, … Continue reading 3 Characteristics of False Teachers
The New Testament’s Warning about False Teachers
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven … Continue reading The New Testament’s Warning about False Teachers
Why I Love the Apostle Paul’s Testimony for Evangelistic Purposes: Part 2-The Rebellious Lost Person
Part 1 Review and Summary To remind beimitators.com readers, last time we reviewed why I love the Apostle Paul's testimony for evangelistic purposes to those who would fit into the category of a religious lost person--you can review this article by clicking here. The term "lost" people implies four truths: 1) all people are inherently … Continue reading Why I Love the Apostle Paul’s Testimony for Evangelistic Purposes: Part 2-The Rebellious Lost Person
Why I Love the Apostle Paul’s Testimony for Evangelistic Purposes: Part 1-The Religious Lost Person
What Is Meant by Lost People? Lost people typically fit into one of two categories: religious and rebellious. The term "lost" in biblical language means that these people are not followers of Jesus Christ. In other words, they have not repented of sin and put their faith in the finished work of Jesus (cf. Rom … Continue reading Why I Love the Apostle Paul’s Testimony for Evangelistic Purposes: Part 1-The Religious Lost Person
Theodore Beza’s Challenge to Contemporary Preaching
Beza's Approach to Training Pastors Theodore Beza may not be a household name for many contemporary evangelicals. One reason, out of many, is that he followed the ministry of John Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland. Even though Beza stands in the shadow of one of the greatest reformers of the Christian faith, it is my intention … Continue reading Theodore Beza’s Challenge to Contemporary Preaching
Review of Wounded by God’s People: Discovering How God’s Love Heals Our Hearts by Anne Graham Lotz
God's Mercy in Scripture God's Word says, "Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful" (Luke 6:36). The Greek word for "mercy" can mean "to treat as a loving child" (cf. Louw-Nida). This phrase seems to fit the context of Luke 6:36, which identifies God as "your Father." In the midst of our struggles … Continue reading Review of Wounded by God’s People: Discovering How God’s Love Heals Our Hearts by Anne Graham Lotz
Mortification of the Flesh: How the Gospel Produces Sexual Purity in Christ Followers
Introducing Pride Month June has been declared by our American government as "pride month." During this time period, many discussions surround the rights, morals, and ideologies of the LGBTQ+ movement and/or agenda. The church is not excused nor excluded from these discussions. In fact, God's people might and should be wrestling with how to navigate … Continue reading Mortification of the Flesh: How the Gospel Produces Sexual Purity in Christ Followers
Learning the Art of Communicating with Tact
Equally Made; Functionally Different By God's grace, we are all created in his image, but also differently (cf. 1:27). We need to realize that our differences are a good quality of the human race. The Apostle Paul, for example, acknowledged and celebrated the variety of gifts present in his letter to the church in Corinth … Continue reading Learning the Art of Communicating with Tact
4 Ways to Remove Distractions and Become More Task Oriented
We live in a busy and connected society. By busy, I mean that our schedules are filled with activities from the moment we get out of bed to the moment we lay our heads down to sleep. The busyness we experience is further exacerbated by our connectedness. The daily number of emails, text messages, phone … Continue reading 4 Ways to Remove Distractions and Become More Task Oriented
It Is True! I Just Started the Marines to Ministry Podcast
Over the last several years, I have been asked by a few people to start my own podcast. Admittedly, I have zero experience with this type of medium other than listening to hosts like Dave Ramsey, Mike Cosper, Donald Miller, Albert Mohler, and Ben Bergeron. My primary dealings with podcasting is from a listener perspective. … Continue reading It Is True! I Just Started the Marines to Ministry Podcast
Dr. Akin’s Charge to PhD Graduates
Serving the Church and Fulfilling the Great Commission There is not doubt that Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) is a special place. They believe in the infallible and inherent Word of God. Their professors teach in accordance with and not contrary to the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. They are passionate about serving the church … Continue reading Dr. Akin’s Charge to PhD Graduates
What is an Executive Pastor?
Essence Precedes Existence One of my favorite phrases is "essence precedes existence." This quote establishes that what something "is" must be understood before we determine what something "does." To reverse this ordering, creates issues. For example, some pro-abortion advocates view that babies are not human beings (is) who are protected in the womb because they … Continue reading What is an Executive Pastor?
Gaining Influence by Humble Means: 3 Ways to Think about Building Your Brand
Have you ever heard of Bruce A Little? Unless you are a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary or have engaged in philosophical thought at an academic level, you have probably never heard of him. He is by far one of the most challenging professors I have ever studied under, but also the person who … Continue reading Gaining Influence by Humble Means: 3 Ways to Think about Building Your Brand
What Does It Take To Earn a PhD?
After I earned my Master of Theology in Christian Ethics, I asked my mentor for advice about pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. Dr. David W. Jones was honest about the rigors of a PhD program since this terminal degree is the highest level of achievement in the academic world. May the advice he … Continue reading What Does It Take To Earn a PhD?
The Growing Need for Church Consultants and Coaches
Thom Rainer observes that "over two thirds of American churches have a worship attendance under 100" (The New Very Large Church). In another post, Rainer shows that numbers indicate, "more pastors and staff will become bi-vocational and co-vocational" in 2023 (Ten Major Trends for Local Churches in America in 2023). The terms he uses in … Continue reading The Growing Need for Church Consultants and Coaches
2 Questions Christians Should Ask about the Respect for Marriage Act
My Life among the Deathworks by Philip Reiff Philip Reiff, an American sociologist who passed away in 2006, wrote a fascinating book titled, My Life among the Deathworks. In the book, he discusses a concept, which he calls "anti-cultures." "Anti-cultures," Reiff stated, "translate no sacred order into social" (p. 6). Reiff elaborated, "[Anti-cultures] propose an … Continue reading 2 Questions Christians Should Ask about the Respect for Marriage Act
Leadership Ambition: Morally Praiseworthy or Morally Problematic?
God calls us to be ambitious for the growth and expansion of his kingdom between the "already" of our conversions and the "not yet" of our home going. Paul David Tripp, Lead, p. 34 Tripp's quote attempts to relieve a bit of tension for those in ministry positions. Many Christian leaders seem to struggle with … Continue reading Leadership Ambition: Morally Praiseworthy or Morally Problematic?
How to Use Social Media in Ministry
The Fear When I teach or share about the dangers of social media among ministry leaders, I am often confronted with a hesitant smile, a subtle eye roll, or the polite head nod. The reasons are multitudinous, but I think that many people in ministry have an underlying fear that prevents them from deleting their … Continue reading How to Use Social Media in Ministry
Are You Hiring? The 4 C’s for Building Your Team
The Excitement and Unease of Hiring Hiring staff is an exciting time in the life of any church or organization. Building a team signifies that your organization or church is growing. Of course, the hiring process could also be filled with uncertainties and insecurities. Questions like: What if we hire the wrong person? What if … Continue reading Are You Hiring? The 4 C’s for Building Your Team
Ministry Leader, Consider Deleting Your Instagram Account Today
The Defeat and Reality of Sin My demeanor changed. My heart sank. My disposition became gloomy. The moment I was notified that another mega church pastor was being removed--albeit temporarily--from a ministry position broke my heart. My theological commitments acknowledge that we still live in a fallen world. Yes, sin has been defeated by Jesus, … Continue reading Ministry Leader, Consider Deleting Your Instagram Account Today
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: A Review and Brief Analysis
Introduction Carl R. Trueman is professor of biblical and religious studies at Grove City College and earned his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Aberdeen. He is a renown church historian and wrote The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to the Sexual Revolution with this … Continue reading The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: A Review and Brief Analysis
5 Ways to Encourage Christians Now that Roe v. Wade Has Been Overturned
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 As Christians, we should believe that every person--no matter their stage of life or what type of capabilities they do or do not have--is made in the image of God. This … Continue reading 5 Ways to Encourage Christians Now that Roe v. Wade Has Been Overturned
A Prayer for the Parents of Uvalde, Texas
Many of us are experiencing a variety of emotions as we reflect on the tragedy that occurred at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas on May 24, 2022. Some of us are experiencing grief or pain, while others feel anger or uncertainty. To be sure, many of us have a variety of emotions as we … Continue reading A Prayer for the Parents of Uvalde, Texas
3 Reasons to Make Your Disciples Write
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to … Continue reading 3 Reasons to Make Your Disciples Write
The Elevation of Self: Social Media’s Underlying Motive
The Hypothetical Scenario Join me in a thought experiment. You and I are meeting for coffee--perhaps we know each other or this is our first time meeting. We sit down at a table with coffee in hand, and I open the conversation with who I am, where I live, and all the great things I … Continue reading The Elevation of Self: Social Media’s Underlying Motive
How to Prepare for Easter Sunday (April 17, 2022)
Mark 11-16 record the final week of our Lord's earthly life. Mark devotes more than one-third of his Gospel to "Passion Week."Daniel L. Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in Mark, p. 242 The Lord's sovereignty never ceases to amaze me even in the seemingly small details of life. Akin's quote above shows us that … Continue reading How to Prepare for Easter Sunday (April 17, 2022)
Why Does Mark’s Gospel Begin with the Ministry of John the Baptist?
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,'" John appeared, baptizing in … Continue reading Why Does Mark’s Gospel Begin with the Ministry of John the Baptist?
How to Check on Your Child’s Heart with One Question
The Truth About Parenting Willy Wonka once said, "We have so much time and so little to do. Strike that. Reverse it." This sentence rings true for Christian parents because let's just admit it, parenting is hard, time consuming, and a joyous work. God has graciously given us these little ones to raise in a … Continue reading How to Check on Your Child’s Heart with One Question
M.DIV., M.A., D.MIN–What Does It All Mean? Understanding School Degrees As A Pastor Search Team Member
Scenario If you have been in a congregationally-led local church for any length of time, you might be familiar with this situation. Your beloved pastor has resigned and moved on to another place of ministry or calling. The church appoints a Pastor Search Team (PST) to begin looking for their next pastor. The job description, … Continue reading M.DIV., M.A., D.MIN–What Does It All Mean? Understanding School Degrees As A Pastor Search Team Member
Jesus Is God’s Beloved Son: A Lesson from Mark 9:7-8
And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him." And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.Mark 9:7-8 This event displays the second time readers of Mark's Gospel have witnessed a voice exclaim that Jesus is God's … Continue reading Jesus Is God’s Beloved Son: A Lesson from Mark 9:7-8
The Old Testament Points Us to Jesus: A Lesson from Mark 9:4-5
And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. And Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah." For he did not know what else to say, for they were … Continue reading The Old Testament Points Us to Jesus: A Lesson from Mark 9:4-5
Jesus’ Transfiguration Reflects His True Nature
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.Mark 9:2-3 Mark's Source Many scholars argue that Mark's Gospel comes from the … Continue reading Jesus’ Transfiguration Reflects His True Nature
Jesus Is Greater than Moses
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.Mark 9:2-3 Why Six Days? Mark, under the divine inspiration of the Holy … Continue reading Jesus Is Greater than Moses
Should I Get My Child A Cell Phone? A Proverbs Pathway to Help You Answer this Question
If you are like me, you might be constantly bombarded with the, "Why can't I have a phone, daddy?" question from your children. Perhaps you respond with your reasons for seemingly denying your child this "lifeline" to the outside world. Your child, more than likely, responds with the, "But, all my friends have one." Maybe … Continue reading Should I Get My Child A Cell Phone? A Proverbs Pathway to Help You Answer this Question
5 Ways to Disciple Your Child
Disclaimer: The contents of this post have been adapted for parents from a sermon that I preached on 1/09/2022 at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Spring Hope, NC. The Bible clearly teaches that Christians parents ought to be the primary disciple makers of their child or children (cf. Deut 6:4-9; Prov 22:6; Eph 6:1-4)--I will … Continue reading 5 Ways to Disciple Your Child
How to Preach Multiple Views in Your Sermon
Preachers are finite human beings—albeit sometimes I think many of us forget this reality. We feel like we have to have all the answers, but in truth, we need to recognize that God’s omniscience humbles us as gospel communicators and students of God's Word. A belief in the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture ought to … Continue reading How to Preach Multiple Views in Your Sermon
One Reason I Hesitate to Publish My Sermons Online
Introduction: In my studies at Southeastern, I had a professor once encourage us to publish journal articles instead of books as budding scholars. He pointed out that many of us will continue to grow as followers of Christ because the Lord constantly refines us as theologians. Of course, this is what what happens when you … Continue reading One Reason I Hesitate to Publish My Sermons Online
Why TikTok Contributes to Bad Behavior in Children? Observations from a Ten Year Old
Our children were recently granted a four day break from school. Many children spend their time doing various activities like: playing outside, watching movies, playing sports, and possibly playing video games. However, my wife and I have a child that decided to spend his time writing an essay. Yes, you read that correctly. On a … Continue reading Why TikTok Contributes to Bad Behavior in Children? Observations from a Ten Year Old
Love Your Neighbor: Think About Deleting Your Social Media Accounts
The dangers of social media are becoming more observable in our society. People are divided. Civil discourse dwindles in the online sphere. Tempers rage as people engage on these various platforms. Many social media users remain oblivious to the reality that the person on the other side of a screen exists as a real human … Continue reading Love Your Neighbor: Think About Deleting Your Social Media Accounts
One Invaluable Lesson I Learned at Seminary
Introduction: This story generates out of a real-life experience from my studies in the Ph.D. program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. It was a lesson that I will never forget and has shaped me as both a pastor and a scholar. This experience illustrates the value of theological education. To put it another way, seminary … Continue reading One Invaluable Lesson I Learned at Seminary
Why Cancel Culture Needs the Gospel
Cancel culture seems to be a growing and increasingly hostile movement in the American context. This campaign has no boundaries because anyone is susceptible to its crosshairs. The idea behind this new societal approach admonishes people who speak against the accepted and ever-changing beliefs of the majority or most vocal. No one is safe! Anyone … Continue reading Why Cancel Culture Needs the Gospel
Your First Step in Sermon Prep
One of my favorite questions to ask pastors when I sit with them is, "What does your sermon preparation process look like?" By God's grace, he has wired every single one of us differently; therefore, everyone's process is unique to them. Some pastors prepare later in the week while others prepare all week long. A … Continue reading Your First Step in Sermon Prep
How Does Jesus’s Kingship Comfort Believers?
Disclaimer: this blog post comes out of a sermon I preached on 9/12/2021 at First Baptist Church Spring Hope in Spring Hope, nc. At the top of Mark's Gospel in my Bible are written the words, "The King has come!" I am not sure when I wrote this or what sermon I was listening to … Continue reading How Does Jesus’s Kingship Comfort Believers?
Dude Perfect Did What On Tour?
My oldest son and I attended the Dude Perfect Tour in Raleigh, North Carolina. From the outset, our family are unofficial members of the Dude Perfect fan club--I don't know if an official fan club really exists. Our family practices the Christian virtue of patience each Monday to see if a new video drops on … Continue reading Dude Perfect Did What On Tour?
Review of Building A Story Brand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller
https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B06XFJ2JGR&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_075F03D0Y6N6DP52244P Donald Miller. Building A StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen. HarperCollins, 2017. 228 pp. Hardback. ISBN 978-0718033323. $24.99. Donald Miller wrote Building A StoryBrand with this purpose in mind, "Your customer should be the hero of the story, not your brand" (p. ix). The book takes the reader through Miller's "seven-part framework" … Continue reading Review of Building A Story Brand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller
How God’s Moral Law Benefits Believers
A Hypothetical Scenario Pretend for a moment that you are the parent of a 7 year old child. It goes without saying, but just for the sake of argument, you love your child very deeply. In your love for your child, you decide to take them to a water park--the best one in the world. … Continue reading How God’s Moral Law Benefits Believers
4 Strategies to Teach Your Children to Be Totally Devoted to Jesus
Make no mistake, we are sending our kids out into a hostile world and we need to prepare them for that. We can’t be content with a thin layer of religiosity, kids who don’t cuss, don’t have sex and know how to vote. We need to teach them that Jesus is worth living and dying … Continue reading 4 Strategies to Teach Your Children to Be Totally Devoted to Jesus
One Preacher’s Process for Preparing A Sermon
One question pastors like to ask each other is: "How do you prepare your sermons for Sunday?" The responses differ based on personality, capabilities, experience, and time constraints. For example, Jim Shaddix used to prepare all week for his sermon. John Piper studies and writes his on Friday. Joby Martin spends all day Monday getting … Continue reading One Preacher’s Process for Preparing A Sermon
THE ERLC NEEDS REFORM RATHER THAN BEING ABOLISHED
We are weeks away from thousands of Southern Baptist messengers migrating to Dallas, Texas for the annual Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Southern Baptists hold to the autonomy of the local church. Unlike a denomination, which consists of a top-down organizational structure, the SBC has a bottom-up polity. Local and like-minded churches choose to partner with … Continue reading THE ERLC NEEDS REFORM RATHER THAN BEING ABOLISHED
A Biblical Response to Suicide: What the Bible Actually Teaches?
The act of suicide is heartbreaking for many reasons. First, the person who committed the act believed that the only way out of whatever troubled them was by prematurely ending their life. Second, those who are left behind must deal with the many emotions, questions, and uncertainties as they process the loss of their loved … Continue reading A Biblical Response to Suicide: What the Bible Actually Teaches?
An Explanation of the SBC 2024 Law Amendment
The headlines read: from USA Today, "Southern Baptists reject ban on women pastors in historic vote," CNN prints, "Southern Baptists narrowly reject formal ban on churches with any women pastors," and The New York Times reports, "Southern Baptists Reject Tighter Ban on Women in Pastoral Posts." While these titles catch one's eye, they do not … Continue reading An Explanation of the SBC 2024 Law Amendment
Be Imitators 